Portable sound reproducing system and method

ABSTRACT

A portable audio device suitable for reproducing MPEG encoded data includes a plurality of inputs, a data storage, a display, an audio output, at least one processor, and a battery. The plurality of inputs includes a forward input, a play control input, and a random input. The data storage stores compressed digitized audio data. The at least one processor is responsive to selection of at least one of the plurality of inputs to convert selected compressed digitized audio data stored in the data storage for reproduction by the audio output and to provide information to the display.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is a Continuation patent application of and claimspriority from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/411,546, filed on Apr.26, 2006, and entitled PORTABLE SOUND REPRODUCING SYSTEM AND METHOD,currently pending, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety,and which is a Continuation patent application of and claims priorityfrom U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/059,777 filed on Jan. 29, 2002and entitled “MPEG PORTABLE SOUND REPRODUCING SYSTEM AND A REPRODUCINGMETHOD THEREOF,” now U.S. Pat. No. 7,065,417, which is incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety, and which is a Divisional patentapplication of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/061,647 filed on Apr.17, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,629,000, and entitled “MPEG PORTABLE SOUNDREPRODUCING SYSTEM AND A REPRODUCING METHOD THEREOF,” which isincorporated herein by reference, and which claims priority to andincorporates by reference Korean Patent Application No. 97-62315 filedon Nov. 24, 1997.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Disclosure

The present disclosure generally relates to a portable sound reproducingsystem and method.

2. Description of the Related Art

Generally, data processed to be listened or viewed is stored in a memorymedium then output through a reproduction device. The most commonexamples include analog data stored on magnetic tape which is outputthrough a cassette player, and digital data stored on a compact discwhich is output through a compact disc player.

Recent developments in digital technology has enabled memory media usedin personal computers to undergo vast improvements. Namely, memory mediaused in PCs are becoming increasingly lightweight and compact, andproviding the user with more capacity to store memory.

However, with the increase in required memory needed to run operatingsystems and application software, there is a limit to how efficientlymemory media can be used. In an attempt to remedy this problem, avariety of methods have been devised to enable the efficient use ofdigital data. The MPEG standard is one of these methods which increasesthe storage capacity of memory media by compressing data stored therein.

Namely, by using the MPEG method of compressing data, data is compressedto roughly one-twelfth its original size without compromising sound orvisual quality. After compressing data utilizing software or hardwaremade for this purpose, the data is then stored in a storage medium, thenconverted back into its original state using the MPEG method such thatthe data is placed in a form that can be heard or seen by the user. TheMPEG method, therefore greatly increases data storage capacity.

With all the conventional sound reproduction systems, i.e., tape playersand compact disc players, and PCs, etc. which are equipped with thecapability to reproduce MPEG-compressed data, many disadvantages areencountered by the user.

In particular, in using cassette players, which reproduce data stored onmagnetic tape, because the same amount of time is needed to store(record) data as it does to reproduce (play) the data, the storingprocess is time-consuming, and heat generated during the process acts todeteriorate the quality of the recording such that the quality of thesound reproduced is decreased. Moreover, because magnetic tape is easilyworn, the repetitive playing of data stored on the cassette tape alsoacts to reduce sound quality.

Compact disc players and the discs used therein also have many problems.Namely, recording is not possible on compact discs. Further, because ofthe mechanical fragility of CD players, reproduction malfunctions occurwhen the players receive even slight outside shocks. Finally, CD playershave a limited life span as the mechanical parts in the devices oftenbreak over time.

The storage media used in cassette and CD players also have the drawbackof occupying much space. Also, users must take great care that thestorage media are placed in an area that is not exposed to heat, directsunlight, etc.

With regard to prior art devices such as PCs used to reproduce datastored using the MPEG method, as these devices are not portable, thelocation at which users can access the sound and images is limited tothe location of the device. In addition, when using a PC to reproducedata compressed using the MPEG method, the cost of equipping the PC withsoftware or hardware to enable this function is high. Also, becausevarious types of sound data are stored on a plurality of storage media,the user must purchase many kinds of storage media and undergocomplicated processes to reproduce the data stored therein.

Finally, in all of the above cases, users must physically go to retailstores to purchase storage media, causing inconvenience to the user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of the specification, illustrate an embodiment of the invention,and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles ofthe invention:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an MPEG portable sound reproducing systemaccording to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a detailed block diagram of the MPEG portable soundreproduction system of FIG. 1; and

FIGS. 3 a-3 f are flow charts of a reproducing method for an MPEGportable sound reproducing system according to a preferred embodiment ofthe present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described indetail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Referring first to FIG. 1, an inventive MPEG portable sound reproducingsystem comprises a power supply portion 100, a power processor 200, aninformation selector 300, an information display portion 400, a controlportion 500, a data storage portion 600, a sound reproducing portion700, and a transmitter/receiver 800.

The power supply portion 100 is realized through a nickel-cadmium(Ni-CD), nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH), lithium-ion, or lithium-polymersecondary battery, and converts chemical energy into electrical energyfor supply of the same to the portable sound reproducing system. Also,the power supply portion 100 is recharged by electricity receivedthrough an adaptor.

The power processor 200 receives power from the power supply portion 100or directly through the adaptor, rectifies the power to stable voltagecurrent, and supplies the power to the control portion 500 as drivepower. When receiving power through the adaptor, the power processor 200supplies power to the power supply portion 100 for recharging the same.

The information selector 300 is realized through various predeterminedkeys operated by the user, and outputs electrical signals according tothe user selections to control the supply of power, extract data forreproduction, control various functions related to the reproduction ofdata, and transmit and receive data.

In more detail, the information selector 300 comprises a forward switchfor advancing to a subsequent selection when pressed for under apredetermined amount of time of preferably under one second, and whichquickly plays data when continually pressed for a predetermined amountof time of preferably over one second; a reverse switch for returning toa beginning of a present selection if the selection is in mid-play orreversing to a previous selection if between selections when pressed forunder a predetermined amount of time of preferably under one second, andwhich quickly plays data in reverse when continually pressed for apredetermined amount of time of preferably over one second; a play/stopswitch for reproducing data when pressed one time, and, in a state ofreproducing data, discontinuing the present play mode when pressedagain, then cutting off the power; a repeat switch for replaying thepresent selection when pressed one time, repeating all selections whenpressed two times, and canceling all repeat commands when pressed for apredetermined time of preferably over three seconds; and a random switchfor randomly reproducing the selections in a random order when pressed.

The information display portion 400 is realized through an LCD (liquidcrystal display) and displays various numbers and letters related to thevarious modes realized through the above switches.

The control portion 500 controls all the various operations for storingand reproducing sound data compressed using the MPEG method. The controlportion 500, as shown in FIG. 2, comprises a CPU (central processingunit) 501 for controlling operations related to converting digital datastored using the MPEG method into an audible format; an interruptercontroller 503 for outputting a control signal to control the CPU 501when an input/output operation is ended or an error occurs in the same;a power controller 505 for outputting control signals to stably supplypower applied from the power processor 200 as operational power of theCPU 501, and cutting off power when an error occurs; a keyboardinterface 507 for interfacing key select signals applied from theinformation selector 300; an LCD controller 509 for controlling electriccurrent supplied to a matrix of the information display portion 400 tocontrol display during operation of the inventive sound reproducingsystem; an extended ROM interface 511 for interfacing a with an extendedROM, added to extend a scope of programs or memory, and a flash memory;a timer 513 for counting time information needed for data downloadingand reproducing the downloaded data, and data interrupting required tooperate the system; a bus bridge access controller 519 outputtingcontrol signals for controlling a bus, the bus transmitting data; acontroller 523 for controlling input/output of data transmitted andreceived; a flash ROM controller 527 for activating the flash ROM 603according to interrupter control signals applied from the CPU 501; a DSP(digital signal processor) interface 529 outputting control signals forcontrolling an input/output of digital sound data compressed by the MPEGmethod; and a clock drive 531 which processes a generator clock of agenerator 100 to a predetermined state and drives the same to the CPU501 as clock signals.

All the above elements of the control, portion 500 are connected througha combination of an interrupt line and an I/O bus.

The data storage portion 600 stores sound data compressed using the MPEGmethod downloaded through the transmitter/receiver 800 according tosignals from the control portion 500. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, thedata storage portion 600 is realized through the flash ROM 603, which isa volatile memory element that does not lose data when the power is cutoff, for storing and erasing sound data, and data related to applicationsoftware and other digital data.

The sound reproducing portion 700 converts sound data stored in the datastorage portion 600 into an audible format according to signals appliedfrom the control portion 500. The sound reproducing portion 700, asshown in FIG. 2, comprises a DSP portion 701 for returning digital sounddata compressed using the MPEG method to its initial state, an audioportion 703 which converts sound signals input from the DSP portion 701into an audible format, and headphones/speakers 705 for convertingelectric sound signals input from the audio portion 703 into sound ableto be heard by users.

The transmitter/receiver 800 is connected to a PC, data vending machine,or other such external devices and either transmits sound or programdata thereto or receives sound or program data therefrom. A preferredreproducing method of data compressed using the MPEG method for theportable sound reproducing system structured as in the above will bedescribed hereinafter with reference to FIGS. 3 a-3 f.

First, if the user presses an ON switch of the information selector 300to reproduce and listen to particular sound data among all the digitaldata compressed using the MPEG method and stored in the data storageportion 600, the CPU 501 of the control portion 500 enters anoperational mode by receiving power via the power processor 200 from thepower supply portion 100 or adaptor (S1000).

Next, the CPU 501 runs the main program and completes booting ofrequired software (S1300), then determines if key signals of theinformation selector 300, input through the keyboard interface 507 andthe MEM/IO bus, are detected (S1400).

If key signals are detected in step S1400, it is determined if there isa power OFF selection signal, selected by the user to cut off powersupplied from the power processor 200 (S1410). If the power OFF signalis detected, operational power applied from the power processor 200 iscut off and the system is put in a standby mode (S1415).

If no power OFF signal is detected in step S1400, it is detected ifthere has been an input of a sound reproduction signal for restoring andreproducing a selection of data compressed using the MPEG method andstored in the flash ROM 603 of the data storage portion 600 (S1420).

If it is determined in step 1420 that the key signal is a reproductionkey signal to reproduce sound data stored in the data storage portion600, the CPU 501 loads the selected sound data to the DSP portion 701 ofthe sound reproducing portion 700 via the DSP interface 529 of thecontrol portion 500, then returns the digital sound data compressedusing the MPEG method to its original state using operating systemssoftware, converts the data into an electric sound signal through theaudio portion 703 of the sound reproducing portion 700, and converts theelectric signal into a sound signal audible to the user and outputs thesame through headphones/speakers 705 (S1425).

In step 1420, if it is detected that the key select signal is not asignal for reproducing sound data or if the system is currentlyreproducing data, it is then detected if a forward signal has been input(S1430). If a forward key signal is detected in step S1430, the CPU 501determines if the forward select signal is transmitted for under apredetermined amount of time of less than one second, which if thiscriterion is met, then advances the selection to the next selection andexecutes a reproducing operation, and also determines if the forwardselect signal is transmitted for over a predetermined amount of time ofmore than one second, and if it is, the present selection is reproducedat a fast speed (S1435).

In step S1430, if a forward key signal is not detected, it is determinedif a reverse key signal has been input (S1440). If it has, the currentselection being reproduced is either returned to the beginning, or ifbetween selections, a selection is made to the preceding song if thereverse signal is transmitted for under a predetermined time ofpreferably under one second, or the present playing selection is quicklyreversed if the reverse signal is transmitted for over a predeterminedamount of time of preferably over one second (S1445).

If a reverse signal is not detected in step 1440, it is then detected ifa stop signal has been input (S1450). Here, if a stop signal isdetected, it is further determined, using an installed program, if asignal of a predetermined number of times of preferably one time hasbeen input and the present mode is the play mode, in which case thepresent reproduction operation is discontinued, an if in a stopped modereproduction is started. Further, in a state where the play mode hasbeen discontinued, if it is detected that the stop signal is transmittedfor a predetermined amount of time of preferably more than threeseconds, standby power is controlled to OFF (S1455).

In step S1450, if a stop signal is not detected or if it is determinedthat the system is in a play mode, it is then determined if a repeatsignal has been input (S1460). If a repeat signal is detected, thenumber of input times is determined using an installed program such thatthe present selection is repeated when it is detected that the signalhas been input a predetermined number of times of preferably one time,all sound data stored in the memory of the flash ROM 603 is repeatedwhen the input of two signals is detected, and any repeat command iscancelled when it is detected that the signal is input during a repeatoperation (S1465).

Further, if no repeat signal is detected in step 1460, it is thendetermined if a random signal has been input (S1470). If a random signalis detected in this step, selections are reproduced in random order(S1475), and if a random signal is not detected, the operation toreproduce the sound data compressed using the MPEG method is repeated.

In the above state where sound data selected by the user is beingreproduced according to key signals input from the information selector300, operational power is analyzed in the power processor 200 todetermine if a Low Power state exists, disenabling a reproductionoperation to be performed, in the power supply portion 100 (S1500). Ifit is determined that the power supply portion 100 is in a Low Powerstate in step 1500, it is then determined if the detected presentvoltage is below a predetermined standard value that would impede thenormal reproducing of sound data (S1510).

In the above, if it is determined that the voltage of the power supplyportion 100 is less than the predetermined standard value, the controlportion 500 outputs a predetermined control signal for display of awarning to the LCD controller 509 via the MEM/IO bus. Here, the LCDcontroller 509 adjusts power supplied to the matrix of the informationdisplay portion 400 such that a “power cut off” message is displayedthereon (S1520).

Simultaneously with the displaying of the “power cut off” message, theCPU 501 of the control portion 500 inputs a data storage signal to theflash ROM 603 of the data storage portion 600 such that the presentstate is saved (S1530), and controls the power controller 505 via theMEM/IO bus to cut off the supply of power to the power processor(S1540).

In step 1510, if it is determined that the voltage of the power supplyportion 100 is above the predetermined standard value, enabling thenormal operation of the system, the control portion 500 controls theinformation display portion 400 via the LCD controller 509 such that a“Low Power” message is displayed (S1550).

After the checking of the power state in step S1500, the CPU 501 of thecontrol portion 500 determines if the power processor 200 is connectedto an external power source through the adaptor (S1600). If it isdetected that there is a connection with an external power source instep S1600, it is then determined if the power supply portion 100 isfully charged (S1610).

In the above, if it is determined that the power supply portion 100 isfully charged, the charging operation is discontinued, to prevent damageto the power supply portion 100 caused by overcharging, and if it isdetermined that the power supply portion 100 is not fully charged, it isthen determined if power from an external power source is being suppliedthrough the adaptor (S1620). Here, if external power is being suppliedin a state where the power supply portion 100 is not fully charged, thepower is then supplied to the power supply portion 100 to charge thesame (S1630).

After step 1600, where it is determined if there is a connection with anexternal power source, it is then determined if sound data is beingreproduced according to selections made by the user at the informationselector 300 (S1700). If sound data is being reproduced in this step,the CPU 501 of the control portion 500 analyzes the sound data checking,for example, data reproduction time, title of selection, type of music,remaining play time for the selection, etc.—and displays the informationthrough the information display portion 400 by controlling the LCDcontroller 509 (S1710).

Further, the CPU 501 of the control portion 500 accesses the sound datacompressed using the MPEG method in the flash ROM 603 of the datastorage portion 600, and transmits this sound data to the DSP portion701 of the sound reproducing portion 700 through the DSP interface 529.Accordingly, the DSP portion 701 processes the MPEG-compressed digitalsound data to a predetermined state and converts it to sound signals viathe audio portion 703, then reproduces the sound data throughheadphones/speakers 705 such that the user can listen to the sound(S1720).

Next, it is determined if the selected sound data has been completelyreproduced (S1730). If it has, a subsequent sound data selection issearched from the flash ROM 603 (S1740), then sound data to bereproduced is loaded from the flash ROM 603 and preparations are made toreproduce sound data (S1750).

After step S1700, where it is determined if sound data is beingreproduced, the CPU 501 of the control portion 500 analyzes signals fromthe controller 523 to determine if the transmitter/receiver 800 isconnected to an external telecommunications system of, for example, acomputer having a modem or other telecommunications device installedtherein, or a data vending machine selling a variety of data andprograms of music, video games, etc. (S1800).

If it is determined in step 1800 that the transmitter/receiver 800 isconnected to an external telecommunications system, the inventive systemis changed to a downloading load, the data is downloaded (S1810), and itis determined if an error exists in the downloaded data (S1820).

In the above, if it is determined that an error exists in the downloadeddata, the CPU 501 of the control portion 500 performs control so thatthe data is re-transmitted, and if no error exists in the data, the datais stored (S1830). Further, if it is determined that no error exists inthe transmitted data in step 1820, the CPU 501 determines iftransmission of the data is completed (S1840), designates an addresssphere in the data storage portion 600, then downloads and stores thedata (S1850).

In the MPEG portable sound reproducing system structured and reproducingMPEG-compressed data as in the above, as sound data is compressed usingthe MPEG method and stored in a semiconductor chip or other memoryelement, then reproduced in a format audible to the user, convenience isprovided by eliminating the need for records, tapes, CDs, and other suchmemory media, and many of the drawbacks of using memory media in priorart reproduction devices—reduction in sound quality after recording orrepeated playing, fragility of memory media necessitating the need totake great care in storing the same, etc.—are overcome.

Further, because it is possible to connect the inventive system totelecommunications networks and data vending machines to downloadvarious data, benefits of speed, convenience, and low cost are providedto the user.

Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to the skilled inthe art from consideration of the specification and practice of theinvention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification andexamples be considered as exemplary only, with the true scope and spiritof the invention being indicated by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A portable audio device suitable for reproducingMPEG encoded data, the portable audio device comprising: a plurality ofinputs, including a forward input, a reverse input, a play controlinput, and a random input; a non-removable data storage to storecompressed digitized audio data; a display; an audio output; at leastone processor, responsive to selection of at least one of the pluralityof inputs, to convert selected compressed digitized audio data stored inthe non-removable data storage for reproduction by the audio output andto provide information to the display; a battery; and wherein, when afirst selection of compressed digitized audio data is being reproduced,the display provides the first selection's title; wherein, when a secondselection of compressed digitized audio data is being reproduced and inresponse to selection of the forward input for a first amount of time,the portable audio device advances to another selection of compresseddigitized audio data; wherein, when a third selection of compresseddigitized audio data is being reproduced, in response to selection ofthe reverse input for a second amount of time, the portable audio devicebegins playing the third selection from a beginning of the thirdselection of compressed digitized audio data; wherein, when a fourthselection of compressed digitized audio data is being reproduced, inresponse to selection of the play control input, the portable audiodevice stops playing the fourth selection of compressed digitized audiodata; wherein, in response to selection of the random input, theportable audio device reproduces selections of the compressed digitizedaudio data stored in the non-removable data storage in a random order;wherein the selection of the reverse input occurs after the selection ofthe random input occurs; and wherein, when the portable audio device isin a selected mode of operation and a voltage of the battery falls belowa selected level, the display provides an indication relating to a powerlevel of the battery.
 2. The portable audio device of claim 1, whereinthe compressed digitized audio data is compressed according to a MovingPictures Expert Group (MPEG) compression standard.
 3. The portable audiodevice of claim 1, wherein: when the second selection of compresseddigitized audio data is being reproduced and in response to selection ofthe forward input for a third amount of time, the portable audio devicereproduces the second selection of compressed digitized audio data at arapid speed; when the third selection of compressed digitized audio datais being reproduced, in response to selection of the reverse input for afourth amount of time, the portable audio device begins advancing towardthe beginning of the third selection.
 4. The portable audio device ofclaim 1, wherein: when the portable audio device stops playing thefourth selection of compressed digitized audio data in response toselection of the play control input, a subsequent selection of the playcontrol input causes the portable audio device to begin reproducing thefourth selection of compressed digitized audio data.
 5. The portableaudio device of claim 4, further comprising a plurality of buttons,including: a reverse button, wherein the reverse input is selected whenthe reverse button is depressed; a forward button, wherein the forwardinput, is selected when the forward button is depressed; and a play/stopbutton, wherein the play control input is selected when the play/stopbutton is depressed.
 6. The portable audio device of claim 4, whereinthe first time is less than the third time, and the second time is lessthan the fourth time.
 7. The portable audio device of claim 5, whereinthe at least one processor includes first and second processors.
 8. Theportable audio device of claim 7, wherein the first processor determineswhich input signals are being selected, while the second processordecompresses the compressed digital audio data.
 9. The portable audiodevice of claim 8, wherein the first processor functions as a CPU andthe second processor functions as a DSP.
 10. The portable audio deviceof claim 8, further comprising a transmitter/receiver for receivingcompressed digital sound data from a personal computer.
 11. The portableaudio device of claim 1, wherein selecting the play control input for anextended period turns the portable audio device off.
 12. The portableaudio device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of inputs includes arepeat input and wherein, in response to selection of the repeat input,the portable audio device reproduces at least one selection of thecompressed digitized audio data stored in the non-removable data storagein a repetitive manner.
 13. The portable audio device of claim 1,further comprising a transmitter/receiver for receiving compresseddigital sound data from a data vending machine attached to atelecommunications network.
 14. The portable audio device of claim 1,wherein the non-removable data storage comprises non-volatile memory.15. The portable audio device of claim 1, wherein the non-removable datastorage comprises a semiconductor storage medium.
 16. The portable audiodevice of claim 1, wherein the first selections' title refers to a titleof a selection which is stored, in its entirety, on the non-removabledata storage.
 17. The portable audio device of claim 1, wherein all ofthe selections reproduced in response to the selection of the randominput are stored in their entirety in the non-removable data storage.18. The portable audio device of claim 1, wherein the random input is aninput that is different from the play control input.
 19. A portableaudio device suitable for reproducing MPEG encoded data, the portableaudio device comprising: a plurality of inputs, including a forwardinput, a reverse input, a play control input, and a random input; a datastorage to store compressed digitized audio data; a display; an audiooutput; at least one processor, responsive to selection of at least oneof the plurality of inputs, to convert selected compressed digitizedaudio data stored in the data storage for reproduction by the audiooutput and to provide information to the display; a battery; andwherein, when a first selection of compressed digitized audio data isbeing reproduced, the display provides at least one of the firstselection's title or type; wherein, when a second selection ofcompressed digitized audio data is being reproduced and in response toselection of the forward input for a first amount of time, the portableaudio device advances forward to another selection of compresseddigitized audio data; wherein, when a third selection of compresseddigitized audio data is being reproduced, in response to selection ofthe reverse input for a second amount of time, the portable audio devicebegins playing the third selection from a beginning of the thirdselection of compressed digitized audio data; wherein, when a fourthselection of compressed digitized audio data is being reproduced, inresponse to selection of the play control input, the portable audiodevice stops playing the fourth selection of compressed digitized audiodata; wherein, in response to selection of the random input, theportable audio device reproduces selections of the compressed digitizedaudio data stored in the data storage in a random order; wherein theselection of the reverse input occurs after the selection of the randominput occurs; and wherein, when the portable audio device is in aselected mode of operation and a voltage of the battery falls below aselected level, the display provides an indication relating to a powerlevel of the battery.
 20. The portable audio device of claim 19, whereinthe compressed digitized audio data is compressed according to a MovingPictures Expert Group (MPEG) compression standard.
 21. The portableaudio device of claim 19, wherein: when the second selection ofcompressed digitized audio data is being reproduced and in response toselection of the forward input for a third amount of time, the portableaudio device reproduces the second selection of compressed digitizedaudio data at a rapid speed; when the third selection of compresseddigitized audio data is being reproduced, in response to selection ofthe reverse input for a fourth amount of time, the portable audio devicebegins advancing toward the beginning of the third selection.
 22. Theportable audio device of claim 21, wherein: when the portable audiodevice stops playing the fourth selection of compressed digitized audiodata in response to selection of the play control input, a subsequentselection of the play control input causes the portable audio device tobegin reproducing the fourth selection of compressed digitized audiodata.
 23. The portable audio device of claim 22, further comprising aplurality of buttons, including: a reverse button, wherein the reverseinput is selected when the reverse button is depressed; a forwardbutton, wherein the forward input is selected when the forward button isdepressed; and a play/stop button, wherein the play control input isselected when the play/stop button is depressed.
 24. The portable audiodevice of claim 23, wherein the at least one processor includes firstand second processors.
 25. The portable audio device of claim 24,wherein the first processor determines which input signals are beingselected and the second processor decompresses the compressed digitalsound data.
 26. The portable audio device of claim 25, wherein the firstprocessor functions as a CPU and the second processor functions as aDSP.
 27. The portable audio device of claim 25, further comprising atransmitter/receiver for receiving compressed digital sound data from apersonal computer.
 28. The portable audio device of claim 21, whereinthe first time is less than the third time, and the second time is lessthan the fourth time.
 29. The portable audio device of claim 19, whereinselecting the play control input for an extended period turns theportable audio device off.
 30. The portable audio device of claim 19,wherein the plurality of inputs includes a repeat input and wherein, inresponse to selection of the repeat input, the portable audio devicereproduces at least one selection of the compressed digitized audio datastored in the data storage in a repetitive manner.
 31. The portableaudio device of claim 19, further comprising a transmitter/receiver forreceiving compressed digital sound data from a data vending machineattached to a telecommunications network.
 32. The portable audio deviceof claim 19, wherein the type provided by the display comprises a typeof music.
 33. The portable audio device of claim 19, wherein the firstselection, the second selection, the third selection, and the fourthselection of compressed digitized audio data include differentselections of music.
 34. The portable audio device of claim 19, whereinsaid data storage is non-removable.
 35. The portable audio device ofclaim 19, wherein said data storage is removable.
 36. A portable audiodevice suitable for reproducing MPEG encoded data, the portable audiodevice comprising: a plurality of inputs, including a forward input, areverse input, a play control input, and a random input; a non-removabledata storage to store compressed digitized audio data; a display; anaudio output; at least one processor, responsive to selection of atleast one of the plurality of inputs, to convert selected compresseddigitized audio data stored in the non-removable data storage forreproduction by the audio output and to provide information to thedisplay; a battery; and wherein, when a first selection of compresseddigitized audio data is being reproduced, the display provides the firstselection's title; wherein, when a second selection of compresseddigitized audio data is being reproduced and in response to selection ofthe forward input for a first amount of time, the portable audio deviceadvances to another selection of compressed digitized audio datawherein, when a third selection of compressed digitized audio data isbeing reproduced, in response to selection of the reverse input for asecond amount of time, the portable audio device begins playing thethird selection from a beginning of the third selection of compresseddigitized audio data wherein, when a fourth selection of compresseddigitized audio data is being reproduced, in response to selection ofthe play control input, the portable audio device stops playing thefourth selection of compressed digitized audio data wherein, in responseto selection of the random input, the portable audio device reproducesselections of the compressed digitized audio data stored in thenon-removable data storage in a random order; wherein, when the portableaudio device is in a selected mode of operation and a voltage of thebattery falls below a selected level, the display provides an indicationrelating to a power level of the battery; wherein when the portableaudio device stops playing the fourth selection of compressed digitizedaudio data in response to selection of the play control input, asubsequent selection of the play control input causes the portable audiodevice to begin reproducing the fourth selection of compressed digitizedaudio data and wherein the first and second times are less thanapproximately 1 second and the third and fourth times are greater than 1second.
 37. A portable audio device suitable for reproducing MPEGencoded data, the portable audio device comprising: a plurality ofinputs, including a forward input, a reverse input, a play controlinput, and a random input; a data storage to store compressed digitizedaudio data; a display; an audio output; at least one processor,responsive to selection of at least one of the plurality of inputs, toconvert selected compressed digitized audio data stored in the datastorage for reproduction by the audio output and to provide informationto the display; a battery; and wherein, when a first selection ofcompressed digitized audio data is being reproduced, the displayprovides at least one of the first selection's title or type; wherein,when a second selection of compressed digitized audio data is beingreproduced and in response to selection of the forward input for a firstamount of time, the portable audio device advances forward to anotherselection of compressed digitized audio data wherein, when a thirdselection of compressed digitized audio data is being reproduced, inresponse to selection of the reverse input for a second amount of time,the portable audio device begins playing the third selection from abeginning of the third selection of compressed digitized audio datawherein, when a fourth selection of compressed digitized audio data isbeing reproduced, in response to selection of the play control input,the portable audio device stops playing the fourth selection ofcompressed digitized audio data wherein, in response to selection of therandom input, the portable audio device reproduces selections of thecompressed digitized audio data stored in the data storage in a randomorder; wherein, when the portable audio device is in a selected mode ofoperation and a voltage of the battery falls below a selected level, thedisplay provides an indication relating to a power level of the battery;wherein the first and second times are less than 1 second and the thirdand fourth times are greater than approximately 1 second.
 38. A portableaudio device suitable for reproducing MPEG encoded data, the portableaudio device comprising: a plurality of inputs, including a forwardinput, a reverse input, a play control input, and a random input; a datastorage to store compressed digitized audio data; a display; an audiooutput; at least one processor, responsive to selection of at least oneof the plurality of inputs, to convert selected compressed digitizedaudio data stored in the data storage for reproduction by the audiooutput and to provide information to the display; a battery; andwherein, when a first selection of compressed digitized audio data isbeing reproduced, the display provides at least one of the firstselection's title or type; wherein, when a second selection ofcompressed digitized audio data is being reproduced and in response toselection of the forward input for a first amount of time, the portableaudio device advances forward to another selection of compresseddigitized audio data wherein, when a third selection of compresseddigitized audio data is being reproduced, in response to selection ofthe reverse input for a second amount of time, the portable audio devicebegins playing the third selection from a beginning of the thirdselection of compressed digitized audio data; wherein, when a fourthselection of compressed digitized audio data is being reproduced, inresponse to selection of the play control input, the portable audiodevice stops playing the fourth selection of compressed digitized audiodata; wherein, in response to selection of the random input, theportable audio device reproduces selections of the compressed digitizedaudio data stored in the data storage in a random order; wherein, whenthe portable audio device is in a selected mode of operation and avoltage of the battery falls below a selected level, the displayprovides an indication relating to a power level of the battery; andwherein in response to further selection of the random input, theportable audio device ceases reproducing the selections of thecompressed digitized audio data in the random order.
 39. A portableaudio device suitable for reproducing MPEG encoded data, the portableaudio device comprising: a plurality of inputs, including a forwardinput, a reverse input, a play control input, and a random input; a datastorage to store compressed digitized audio data; a display; an audiooutput; at least one processor, responsive to selection of at least oneof the plurality of inputs, to convert selected compressed digitizedaudio data stored in the data storage for reproduction by the audiooutput and to provide information to the display; a battery; andwherein, when a first selection of compressed digitized audio data isbeing reproduced, the display provides at least one of the firstselection's title or type; wherein, when a second selection ofcompressed digitized audio data is being reproduced and in response toselection of the forward input for a first amount of time, the portableaudio device advances forward to another selection of compresseddigitized audio data wherein, when a third selection of compresseddigitized audio data is being reproduced, in response to selection ofthe reverse input for a second amount of time, the portable audio devicebegins playing the third selection from a beginning of the thirdselection of compressed digitized audio data; wherein, when a fourthselection of compressed digitized audio data is being reproduced, inresponse to selection of the play control input, the portable audiodevice stops playing the fourth selection of compressed digitized audiodata; wherein, in response to selection of the random input, theportable audio device reproduces selections of the compressed digitizedaudio data stored in the data storage in a random order; wherein, whenthe portable audio device is in a selected mode of operation and avoltage of the battery falls below a selected level, the displayprovides an indication relating to a power level of the battery; andwherein one instance of the selection of the random input occurs when afifth selection of compressed digitized audio data is being reproduced,and wherein a second instance of the selection of the random inputoccurs when no selection of compressed digitized audio data is beingreproduced.
 40. A portable audio device suitable for reproducing MPEGencoded data, the portable audio device comprising: a plurality ofinputs, including a forward input, a reverse input, a play controlinput, and a random input; a data storage to store compressed digitizedaudio data; a display; an audio output; at least one processor,responsive to selection of at least one of the plurality of inputs, toconvert selected compressed digitized audio data stored in the datastorage for reproduction by the audio output and to provide informationto the display; a battery; and wherein, when a first selection ofcompressed digitized audio data is being reproduced, the displayprovides at least one of the first selection's title or type; wherein,when a second selection of compressed digitized audio data is beingreproduced and in response to selection of the forward input for a firstamount of time, the portable audio device advances forward to anotherselection of compressed digitized audio data wherein, when a thirdselection of compressed digitized audio data is being reproduced, inresponse to selection of the reverse input for a second amount of time,the portable audio device begins playing the third selection from abeginning of the third selection of compressed digitized audio data;wherein, when a fourth selection of compressed digitized audio data isbeing reproduced, in response to selection of the play control input,the portable audio device stops playing the fourth selection ofcompressed digitized audio data; wherein, in response to selection ofthe random input, the portable audio device reproduces selections of thecompressed digitized audio data stored in the data storage in a randomorder; wherein, when the portable audio device is in a selected mode ofoperation and a voltage of the battery falls below a selected level, thedisplay provides an indication relating to a power level of the battery;and wherein when the selection of the random input has occurred and theaudio reproduction, in the random order, is between selections, inresponse to a selection of the reverse input for a third amount of time,the portable audio device begins playing a preceding selection ofcompressed digitized audio data stored in the non-removable datastorage.